6 key takeaways from our Content, Community and Communications event
Happy birthday to us! Yes, we recently celebrated our first birthday toasting the networking, connections and career opportunities that we pioneer for our members.
It’s been a busy first year, but we celebrated in style with the first-ever panel led by leading Black men in PR & Comms. So, thank you to Lord Dr Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE, Richie B, Emmanuel Ofosu-Appiah, Cody Eastmond, William Oppon and Richard W for their reflections and lived experiences during our anniversary event.
During the evening of honest and open discussion, the esteemed group shared their purpose and drive about content, community and communications plus life lessons. Here are the top six:
Don’t be afraid to call discriminatory behaviour out in the workplace. Do not accept any behaviour that our counterparts do not accept. We need to see more black men and women within senior roles of communications and it’s down to us to keep pushing this agenda forward.
‘Each one, teach one’ is a useful phrase and it’s about opening doors for people who have potential and nurturing it. We should set an example and lead others who are underrepresented. We have a responsibility to lead and encourage others to follow in our footsteps.
Follow a clear structure and the process for success. Think: what is the primary purpose of the business objectives that you are fulfilling? When you share content, what message do you want to communicate and what is the appropriate channel?
Corporate PR is often perceived to be boring, but there are plenty of advantages that we often overlook. For example, there is exposure to senior executives plus you can tell the story of your clients or stakeholders in a meaningful way. Don’t forget to build relationships with journalists because the media is a key channel that you shouldn’t forget when building your community.
Don’t believe the hype with the phrase ‘going viral’ – it’s just one moment that passes. Going viral can be for the wrong reasons and crisis comms are sometimes needed so be mindful of that. Instead, seek to provide a consistent stream of information that is relevant and sustainable to your consumer. Understand what viral means for your industry and don’t be swayed by trends.
Be human. Have empathy with your consumer and use your best instinct and gut to go forward with your ideas. Your role is to add value and to use authentic communications with purpose and impact.
Thank you to everyone who has supported UK BCN, we appreciate you including our Corporate Partner Member Fleishman Hillard who sponsored our celebrations.
Here’s to another year of connecting, convening, and championing UK Black comms pros.
If you are a member and you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the playback here.
Not a member and want to join us? Give yourself the gift of an amazing, professional community (if we do say so ourselves!) and apply here.